Military

Further Reading

M60A1 Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge (M60A1 AVLB)

The Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge was designed to launch and retrieve a class 60 bridge. The main body is either based on the M60 or the M48 tank assembly. Used during combat, an AVLB is a folding portable bridge that is transported on the top of a tank chassis. The AVLB vehicle carries a crew of two. It is powered by a 750 HP Diesel Engine. The bridge and vehicle total weight is 58 tons. Unfunded improvements are available in the areas of bridge, suspension, hydraulics, final drives, electrical, and water rations heater. These improvements will allow the AVLB to keep up with current Abrams Assault Force. The Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge (AVLB) only supports Abrams tank units using a caution crossing at reduced gap length (15 meters) and at a reduced crossing speed. The M60A1 Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge entered the Marine Corps inventory in the late 1980s. Current plan has the AVLB in use through 2015 and beyond. The WOLVERINE will replace the AVLB in the Engineer combat vehicle inventory.

The AVLB is a turret-less M60A1 with a metal bridge that folds in half mounted on top. Through a special hydraulic system the bridge is raised to a vertical position and then extend forward opening as it proceeds forward. This is manipulated by a system of hydraulics worked by the driver. The TC serves as a ground guide second set of eyes.

The M60A1 AVLB is an armored vehicle used for launching and retrieving a 60-foot scissors-type bridge. The AVLB consists of three major sections: the launcher, the hull, and the bridge. The launcher is mounted as an integral part of the chassis. The bridge, when emplaced, is capable of supporting tracked and wheeled vehicles with a military load bearing capacity up to Class 60. The bridge can be retrieved from either end. The roadway width of the AVLB is 12 feet, 6 inches. Bridge emplacement can be accomplished in 2 to 5 minutes, and retrieval can be accomplished in 10 minutes under armor protection. When unfolded, it can span up to 60 feet while supporting 70 tons of equipment. The AVLB spans a 15m gap for Military Load Class (MLC) 70, and spans an 18m gap for MLC 60.